The Breadwinner (novel) facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Deborah Ellis |
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| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Groundwood Books |
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Publication date
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2000 |
| Pages | 176 |
| ISBN | 978-0-88899-416-5 |
| OCLC | 47120972 |
| Followed by | Parvana's Journey |
The Breadwinner, also known as Parvana, is a children's novel written by Deborah Ellis. It was first published in 2000. The book tells the story of an 11-year-old girl named Parvana. She lives in Afghanistan during a time when the Taliban ruled. Parvana is forced to become the main provider for her family. This is why the book is called The Breadwinner.
To write the book, Deborah Ellis spent several months talking to women and girls. They were living in refugee camps in Pakistan. Their stories helped her describe what life was like in Afghanistan. The book has won several awards. These include the Peter Pan Prize and the Middle East Book Award in 2002. The Breadwinner is the first book in a series. It was followed by Parvana's Journey (2002), Mud City (2003), and My Name is Parvana (2012).
The Story of Parvana
Parvana is an 11-year-old girl living in Kabul, Afghanistan. She lives with her mother, father, older sister Nooria, and younger siblings Maryam and Ali. One day, Taliban soldiers come to their home. They arrest Parvana's father because he had a foreign education.
Parvana and her mother go to the jail. They try to get her father released. But the guards treat them roughly for speaking out. Soon after, Parvana's mother becomes very sad. She stays on her thin mattress and does not move. Since her father cannot work, the family faces a very difficult time. Women in Afghanistan are not allowed to go outside alone. They must be with a male relative.
Parvana meets Mrs. Weera, who used to be a physical education teacher. Mrs. Weera comes to stay with Parvana's family. She helps Parvana's mother feel better. Together, Parvana's mother and Mrs. Weera join a group of women. They work on the Afghanistan National Magazine. They secretly send it to and from Pakistan to be published.
Parvana's mother and Mrs. Weera decide on a plan. They cut Parvana's hair short. They dress her in her deceased brother Hossain's old clothes. This way, Parvana can pretend to be a boy. She can then go outside to buy food for the family. She also continues her father's work. She reads and writes letters for people who cannot read or write.
One day, Parvana meets Shauzia, a girl she used to go to school with. They decide to work together. They become business partners. Even though they were not close before, they bond. They try to find ways to earn more money. They come up with an idea for a portable "shop." They use trays to carry their items around. But first, they need money to buy the trays. They find a way to earn money by digging up bones from graves.
As the story continues, Parvana grows closer to her older sister Nooria. She also connects with a woman who lives in a nearby building. This woman often throws small gifts onto Parvana's blanket from her window.
Nooria announces that she is leaving for Mazar-i-Sharif. She plans to marry a boy there and go to college. She leaves with her mother and younger siblings. Parvana stays behind in Kabul. Her boy-like appearance would be hard to explain. At first, Parvana does not like Nooria's decision. But she eventually accepts it.
Parvana stays in Kabul with Mrs. Weera. One day after work, she meets a girl named Homa. Homa has run away from Mazar-e-Sharif and is very upset. Parvana takes her home. Homa tells them that the Taliban have taken over Mazar-e-Sharif. Homa's family was killed by the Taliban. She was very lucky to escape. Mrs. Weera welcomes Homa into their home. Parvana becomes very worried about her family in Mazar.
Later, Parvana's father returns home. He is in poor health. Mrs. Weera, Homa, and Parvana help him get better. Parvana and her father then leave for Mazar. They hide in the back of a truck. They hope to find their family in the refugee camps. Shauzia, who was planning to run away from her family to avoid marriage, tells Parvana her plans. She will leave with some nomads. Parvana and Shauzia make a promise. They will meet again in 20 years in France, at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Film Version
The Breadwinner was made into an animated movie. Nora Twomey directed it. The film was released on November 17, 2017.
See also
In Spanish: El pan de la guerra para niños
